One of the most important elements of any hiking trip is your foot comfort. Whether you plan to take
an afternoon trek down a local footpath or a two-week excursion down the Appalachian Trail, there is a
hiking boot for you. This guide will help you determine the type of hiking boot and features you need for
your hiking activity.

The first thing you need to determine when choosing a pair of hiking boots is the type of activity it
will be used for. A hiker who spends a few hours on a well-groomed trail will need a less complex boot
than a backpacker on a 10-day hike.

Light Hiking Boots - Light hiking boots are geared towards novice to intermediate hikers,
those that attend 1- to 2-day hikes and carry a light backpack with only essential supplies.
These boots are generally lightweight and flexible with limited support. Most light hiking boots
feature a combination upper consisting of leather and mesh to offer breathability for additional
comfort; although, entire leather (and waterproof) uppers are also available.

Technical Hiking Boots - Technical hiking boots are geared towards the more experienced
hiker who attends multi-day hiking trips over various terrains and who carries a heavy-weight
backpack containing supplies for the length of the trip. These boots generally boast a
waterproof leather upper and offer support, stability and cushioning.

Features are a good thing to consider when purchasing a pair of hiking boots. You want to make sure
you purchase a pair of boots with the features you need that will help keep your feet comfortable while
on your hike.

Upper

A full-grain leather (the outermost part of the cow's hide) upper is supportive,
durable and waterproof.

A suede upper (sometimes combined with mesh fabric) offers more flexibility and
breathability, but is not as supportive as full-grain leather and does not offer
waterproof properties.

A one-piece upper will tend to be more waterproof and durable than those with
multiple seams.

Midsole

A midsole helps to disperse weight and provide stability and can be made from a
variety of materials:

Compression-molded EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate, a foam material) midsoles are made of
expanded EVA and offer a lighter weight.

Injection-molded EVA midsoles are made from melted pellets of EVA and offer a more
uniform density from heel to toe.